software and improve the quality of their ZIP+4, carrier route, and five-digit coding accuracy. The NCSC grades this process and the results are returned to mailers to provide useful diagnostics for correcting deficiencies. CASS software enables the Postal Service to evaluate the accuracy of address-matching software programs in three areas: (1) ZIP+4 delivery point coding, (2) carrier route coding, and (3) five-digit coding. CASS software allows vendors and mailers the opportunity to test their address-matching software packages and, after achieving a minimum percentage of accuracy, be certified by the Postal Service.

     The Multiline Accuracy Support System (MASS) technology is an extension of CASS software. While CASS software focuses on the processing of addresses stored electronically in computer data files, MASS technology tests the quality of address matching occurring on multi-line optical character reader (MLOCR) equipment and direct-view encoding stations. These systems have to lift an address image directly from a mailpiece to accomplish processing. MASS technology allows vendors and mailers the opportunity to test their machines and, after achieving a minimum percentage of accuracy, be certified by the Postal Service.

     In April 1996, the Postal Service implemented a process to circumvent the fraudulent submission of change-of-address orders. The Customer Notification (Move Validation) Letter is a notification to postal customers who have submitted change-ofaddress (COA) orders (PS Form 3575, Change of Address Order). The notification is mailed to Postal Service customers at their old address and includes details of the COA order, providing customers an opportunity to verify the COA information on file with the Postal Service. If a potentially fraudulent situation exists, the customer is instructed to contact the local Post Office for assistance. The telephone number of the local Post Office is provided. The notifications also include a question and answer section advising customers what to do if they are not receiving

mail at their new address. There is also information on how customers may notify others of their new address, and a reminder to register or re-register to vote. These notifications are generated for COAs entered into the Computerized Forwarding System database on a daily basis. They are mailed within 24 hours of receipt by the National Customer Support Center in Memphis, TN. More than 44 million Customer Notification Letters were mailed in 2003.

     The Locatable Address Conversion System (LACS) technology enables business mailers to electronically update their ruralstyle addresses with new, locatable city-style addresses in areas that are experiencing 911 emergency response address conversions. There are currently over 5 million converted addresses in the LACS file. Improved address quality increases mailer access to worksharing discounts and improves deliverability. The Postal Service licensed 13 firms to assist mailers in updating their address records or to perform the matching service for business mailers.

     The Presort Accuracy Validation Evaluation (PAVE) program is a process designed in cooperation with the mailing industry to evaluate presort software and determine its accuracy in sorting address files according to DMM standards. PAVE is available only to companies that develop presort software or manufacture presorting equipment for resale or internal use. Participation in the program is purely voluntary. Although this program evaluates and validates presort products manufactured by the developers, PAVE does not guarantee acceptance of mail prepared using PAVE-certified hardware and/or software. However, it does provide national approval of computer-generated facsimiles of Postal Service postage statements, standardized documentation, and other presort documentation.